Mathematics

Candidates

Applicants will normally have a degree in Maths, or in some circumstances a related subject with some maths content e.g. engineering. It is essential that candidates have an A level qualification in Maths. Candidates will need to demonstrate that they have considered how to develop their subject knowledge in the National Curriculum requirements for Maths, especially where topics have not been covered by their degree.

Subject Pathway

Trainees come together weekly with Steve Lomax, the Subject Leader, for the opportunity to learn more about the subject and the pedagogy of Maths, from Steve, visiting experts and each other.

Subject sessions normally take place at the GITEP Training Room on a Thursday afternoon, but there are also opportunities to visit schools in the partnership.

Programme Structure

Trainees start the year with three weeks of professional studies, a programme of lectures, workshops and expert speakers, to give a context to the course. By the end of September trainees start their “Parent 1” placement and will be in school full time until mid-December. There are another two weeks of professional studies either side of Christmas. In January trainees start their “Twin” placement in a second school. There are more professional studies weeks before Easter then trainees return to their first school for their “Parent 2” placement. The final placement includes an enhancement week to give opportunities to experience particular aspects of teaching.

There are also weekly subject seminars, every Thursday, with trainees meeting with their Subject Leader and other trainees from their subject.

Videos

Subject Leader

Steve Lomax

Balcarras School

Steve Lomax is the Mathematics Strategic Lead for the Balcarras Teaching School Partnership and GLOWMaths Hub (www.glowmathshub.com, @GLOWmaths).

Through his current and previous roles of Mathematics Adviser for Gloucestershire (4-19), NCETM Specialist Adviser for Mathematics, Mathematics Subject Leader, SLT, AST and SLE, Steve has a proven track record of leading change in maths education and supporting schools to improve leadership, standards, teaching and enjoyment of mathematics within schools and across partnerships.

Steve is also co-founder of Kangaroo Maths (www.kangaroomaths.com, @kangaroomaths).

Funding

Bursary available: £20,000* Scholarship available: £22,000*

*subject to NCTL conditions (call 01242 505945 for more information).

Scholarship Funding

The Institute of Mathematics and its Application (IMA), in collaboration with the London Mathematical Society (LMS) and the Royal Statistical Society (RSS), has 150 teacher training scholarships, worth £25,000, available to mathematics trainees starting their teacher training in the 2015/16 academic year. A 25 per cent premium will be paid to School Direct trainees whose training is based in a school where more than 35 per cent of pupils are eligible for free school meals.

The scholarship will be instead of the standard bursary, but trainees who are not awarded the scholarship will continue to be eligible for the standard bursaries.

To be a maths scholar you will need to have exceptional subject knowledge, enthusiasm for the study of the subject and outstanding potential to teach. Successful scholars will be offered additional support from the IMA, LMS, and RSS to enable them to make a significant contribution to the development of maths teaching in the schools where they train and work. The package will include membership offers, access to teaching resources and academic journals, and early career support. Visit the IMA website for further information.

Any questions?

About Us

Gloucestershire Initial Teacher Education Partnership (GITEP) is managed by Gloucestershire Secondary schools and is a long established highly successful school-centred initial teacher training (SCITT) provider accredited by the National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL).